Attempted Rape in Southampton Park Prompts Police Appeal for Witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted rape in Riverside Park on the evening of Saturday, 8 April.

A 19 year old woman was walking along Woodmill Lane in the park, around 8:30pm, when an unknown person grabbed and sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene. The suspect is believed to be a man wearing a black hoody and a balaclava covering his face.

Since the incident was reported, the woman has been receiving support from specialist officers, and police have launched an investigation into the incident. Specialist units, including the dog unit, have been deployed in Riverside Park, and extra patrols will be put in place in the area throughout the day and overnight.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Watson is leading the investigation and has appealed for anyone with information to come forward. “This incident will no doubt cause concern in the community, particularly among women and girls, and our main priority is to find the person responsible for this incident,” he said.

“Were you in the area last night? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? Do you have mobile phone footage which could help our investigation? If so, please get in touch.”

He also reassured the public that police have arrested and charged individuals in recent cases of sexual offences occurring in parks in Southampton and that reducing violence against women and girls is a top priority for the police in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the police on 101 or report online via their website, quoting Operation Metropolis or incident number 44230138987.